Chris Paul’s name has long been associated with the Los Angeles Lakers and, more especially, with the possibility of a collaboration with LeBron James. Paul chose to join with the San Antonio Spurs, which surprised a lot of people, after he was released by the Golden State Warriors and became an unrestricted free agency.
Though Paul is regarded by many as one of the best NBA players without a championship ring, he chose to sign a one-year contract with a team that finished 22–60 last season rather than joining a top contender. Paul discussed his choice to sign with the Spurs during his inaugural press conference, referring to the opportunity to play for head coach Gregg Popovich as a “honor and a privilege”.
“The people in my family are my everything. For the duration of the season, my kids and wife will be in Los Angeles; my wife is here,” Paul remarked. And even though I live near to home, I could still play basketball, which makes me unhappy when I’m not.
I am devoted to my family.” The fact that my family knows me better than anyone and that all I want to do is play is why we spotted this chance, even if it will keep me away from them. Above everything, I want to play. I’m thankful for them and even more so for being here because of this.”
On the eve of his 20th NBA season, Paul’s stay with the Spurs will be his eighth different organization. After three years, the twelve-time NBA All-Star was able to record the third-highest assists in a single season with the Phoenix Suns, averaging 10.8 per game.
Despite Paul’s numerous examples of his ability to play at a high level, his one and only season with the Warriors saw him utilized in a different way. Only 18 out of 58 games were started by the 39-year-old, who had the lowest average of minutes played (26.4). His career-low averages of 9.2 points and 6.8 assists were almost probably influenced by the fact that he was starting for the first time in his career off the bench.
Currently, Paul ought to be able to guide a youthful Spurs squad and assist in setting up rising star Victor Wembanyama for just another wonderful campaign. It will be intriguing to watch if Paul’s stats return to what supporters have been accustomed to seeing throughout his remarkable NBA career if he is given the keys to the offense and is given a starting role again.
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